It’s a KIND-a Magic

Hiya Zest Questers,

This week, we’ll be looking at the benefits of nuts and omega oils for health and wellbeing. Firstly, I’d like to thank the team at KIND for helping me write this article.

Team KIND began in 2004. Their philosophy is that you should be able to find the ingredients in your cupboard, and if not, they won’t make it to the bars we know and love. Brilliantly simple right? But what’s even more brilliant is this:

‘Our aim is to make the world a little kinder, one snack and act at a time. One simple belief underpins it all: There’s more to business than just profit.’

Therefore, KIND aims to connect people and build more empathetic communities through a range of social and philanthropic initiatives. Is this a nod towards the altruism that we love so much at Zest and Fresh?

One of my favourite things about these bars is the fact that you can understand all of the ingredients on the packet. Plus, they are all naturally sourced and often don’t have more than 7 ingredients! These include honey and soya lecithin (found as a natural binding agent). They’re all gluten and dairy free too! Woop woop 😀 Extra bonus points from us!

What’s even better is the fact that the bars have an incredibly low glycemic index. This means that, unlike eating a bag of sweets, you won’t get a massive sugar rush followed by the crash when your blood sugar hits rock bottom. Talking of rushes, we were elated at Zest HQ to find out that the lovely team KIND had sent us some of their delicious snacks to try out.

After a few taste tests of these brilliant nutty bars and I’d love to share with you my top 3 faves…

First up is the delicious Dark chocolate and Sea Salt bar which scored 8/10. The bar is 60% nuts, and is therefore an excellent fibre-packed protein-punch — what we love here at Zest and Fresh! KIND’s Nuts & Spices Bars have over 40% less sugar per 100g than similar snack bars. This is because there is no added fruit, just naturally-occurring sugars that make them sweet. Initially, I was sceptical about the salt, but I discovered that it really brings out the flavour of the nuts and adds an extra kapow to the bar! Salt is also essential for balancing bodily fluids (See, it can be good for you!). 😀 I love that you can see pretty much every ingredient that is in these brilliant little bars, including the delicious whole nuts.

Next up is the Almond and Coconut bar. This was my second favourite, and I scored it 9/10. I loved the light and delicate coconut flavour, which tasted almost like a cross between a Bounty bar and a Picnic slice. Plus, being 59% nuts, it is one of the healthiest treats around. Personally, I would’ve liked to have seen some cherries or raisins in it, which is why it didn’t fulfil the 10/10 — but hey, still an excellent product all round! I loved the crunchy and chewy texture of the bar, and I can’t wait to find more of them!

As I’ve discussed in a previous article almonds have been proven to reduce stress and inflammation in the brain, so eating one of these could increase your mind power. (Cue lightening emojis: P) As for coconut, well it’s packed with scrummy fibre, which is excellent for keeping you regular, and tastes delicious!

And finally, the best of them all with an amazing 10/10 was (drum roll)… Madagascan Vanilla!

Happy Beautiful day folks,

KT

xx

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This was my ultimate favourite! With 75% nuts, it was packed with the boost of vitamins A, C and E that I needed. These are rich and powerful anti-oxidants — excellent for fighting the signs of ageing!! Aside from this, I loved the hint of delicious vanilla that really complimented the sweet honey and crunchy, tangy nuts. The whole nuts really worked well in this bar and, sticking with KIND’s principles, what you see is what you get. This bar is one definitely not to be missed!

All these bars retail at around £1.29 in most good supermarkets and delis… so, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to be KIND today?